CVE-2020-1175 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists when the Windows Jet Database Engine improperly handles objects in memory, aka 'Jet Database Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1051, CVE-2020-1174, CVE-2020-1176.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-1175 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Windows Jet Database Engine component that forms part of Microsoft's database infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the Jet Database Engine fails to properly handle objects in memory, creating a dangerous condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, and various other versions where the Jet Database Engine is present, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the memory management level, where improper object handling can lead to complete system compromise without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges.
The technical flaw within the Jet Database Engine stems from inadequate validation of memory objects during database operations, specifically when processing certain database files or structures. This memory handling error creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code, leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability typically occurs when the engine processes malformed or specially crafted database files that contain malicious memory references or object structures that exploit the improper memory management routines. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" which directly relate to the memory corruption aspects of the flaw. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that the Jet Database Engine is used across multiple Microsoft applications including Access, Outlook, and various enterprise database solutions, making the exploitation potential much broader than initially apparent.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1175 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected systems. Once exploited, attackers can install malware, steal sensitive data, establish persistence mechanisms, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without needing physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed database services or applications that process external database files. Organizations running applications that utilize the Jet Database Engine are at significant risk, particularly those with legacy systems or applications that have not been updated to address this vulnerability. The impact is further amplified by the fact that the vulnerability can be triggered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or database file processing, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors to exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1175 should focus on immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Microsoft releasing security updates that address the memory handling flaws in the Jet Database Engine. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems that process database files and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious database file processing activities. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary database functionality and implementing strict file validation controls to prevent the processing of untrusted database files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078: "Valid Accounts" as attackers may use the compromised systems to execute commands or establish persistence. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may be running outdated versions of the Jet Database Engine, while privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should develop incident response procedures specifically addressing database engine vulnerabilities to ensure rapid detection and containment of any exploitation attempts.